BEE Registration for
Evaporative Air Coolers

BEE Registration of Evaporative Air Cooler under IS 3315:2024 is a voluntary compliance process for manufacturers to demonstrate the energy efficiency and performance of their products. Evaporative air coolers operate on the principle of water evaporation to cool and circulate air, making them an efficient cooling system for homes and offices.

Under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) standards and labelling scheme, BEE Registration helps eligible manufacturers promote the energy performance of their evaporative air coolers according to the applicable star rating. As this product category is voluntary, it will help manufacturers register their products to enhance product credibility, consumer awareness, and energy-efficiency performance.

Key Highlights of BEE Registration for Evaporative Air Coolers

Evaporative Air Coolers Testing Requirements and NABL Lab under IS 3315

To obtain BEE certification and a rating, testing for evaporative air coolers must be conducted in accordance with IS 3315 at an NABL-accredited lab.
Air Delivery and Performance Testing: Tests air delivery capacity, air delivery rate, cooling efficiency and the resulting Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), which determines the applicable star rating band.

• Power Consumption and Electrical Testing: Tests power consumption (watts), input voltage and frequency, high-voltage resistance, and insulation resistance. 
• Material Testing: Non-metallic enclosures should pass heat and fire safety tests in accordance with IS 302 (Part 1), and metallic enclosures should pass a minimum 96-hour salt-spray corrosion test in accordance with IS 9844. 
• Mechanical and Components Testing: Fan motors should comply with IS 996, and pump sets should comply with IS 11951 (previous component certification accepted). Tests for sound and vibration levels are conducted to verify excessive noise and assembly looseness.
• Sump Tank and Design Verification: Verification of water capacity limits using calibrated beakers and confirmation of no leakage or water blow-off.

Documents Required for BEE Registration of Evaporative Air Coolers

The list of documents required to get Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) registration for an Evaporative Air Cooler:

• Address and a copy of the Factory License of the manufacturer, mentioning the concerned product range
• Letter in the prescribed format
• Application Form for Brand Registration (Online submission, Print out)
• Certificate of Trademark/Brand Registration or Authorisation Letter from the trademark holder in case of separate holders
• MSME Certificate (Only for Indian OEMs, if any)
• ISO 9001 Quality Management Certificate of the manufacturing plant
• Authorised Signatory letter
• Copy of BIS License with Validity Period (If applicable for the concerned product line)

For Model Registration (for each model):

• Letter in the prescribed format
• Receipt of the payment made for Model Registration
• Print out the online application form and its Annexure(s)
• Test Report from the NABL-accredited / ILAC MRA-accredited laboratory
• BEE Label specimen for the model

Step-by-Step BEE Registration Process for Evaporative Air Coolers

The BEE Registration process involves:

• Verify Applicability of the Product: The manufacturer/applicant shall confirm that the product is applicable under BEE Schedule 40.
• List relevant standards: Test and energy performance evaluations shall be conducted in accordance with IS 3315:2024. 
• Product Testing: The model shall be tested to determine its Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and other parameters specified under IS 3315:2024 
• Get the Test Report: Upon successful completion of the testing process, the applicant will receive the test report from an NABL-certified lab or another authorised lab, as required.
• Preparation of the Application and Relevant Documents: The application document and other relevant documents related to BEE S&L will be prepared by the applicant.
• BEE Application Process: The BEE application shall be submitted through the respective BEE Standards & Labelling registration process, along with other relevant documents and applicable charges.
• Scrutiny and Verification by BEE: The BEE shall undertake scrutiny and verification of the application along with other relevant test documents. Any discrepancies must be resolved before approval.
• BEE Approval and Star Rating: Upon acceptance of the application, BEE shall grant the product approval/registration and assign an energy-efficiency rating. The BEE S&L program rates the products on a 1-to-5-star scale; the higher the star rating, the higher the energy efficiency.

Validity, Renewal & Timeline of BEE Registration for Evaporative Air Coolers

• BEE registration for Evaporative Air Coolers typically takes 30 to 60 working days, remains valid for 3 years, and requires a renewal application before it expires.
• The Standards and Labelling Programme for Evaporative Air Coolers s has been set up to run voluntarily from 1 March 2024 through to 31 December 2026. This is the period during which the star rating system under Schedule 40 applies, not the expiry date of an individual product's registration.
• If the standards and star rating bands change, the manufacturer must test the product and register it under the new standards. If registration renewal is required, manufacturers must apply at least one month before the existing label or registration expires.

Renewal of BEE Registration

• When to apply: Apply well ahead of expiry, per BEE's renewal notice
• Product Testing: Fresh product testing is required whenever product specifications or BEE standards change.
• Re-Registration Application: Complete the re-registration application form and submit it with the test report.
• Fees for Re-Registration: Re-registration fees and other fees.
• Approval of Registration: Re-approval of registration by BEE.

How ERCS Private Limited Helps with BEE Registration for Evaporative Air Coolers

ERCS Private Limited offers end-to-end services for BEE registration of Evaporative Air Coolers in accordance with the applicable BEE Schedule 40 and IS 3315 standards.

• Product Applicability Services: Assist in determining whether BEE requirements apply to Evaporative Air Coolers.
• Standard Applicability Assistance: Helps clarify the applicability of the IS 3315 requirements.
• Testing Assistance: Facilitates the coordination of the required product testing at the appropriate laboratory.
• Documentation Assistance: Facilitates the preparation and organisation of technical documents, test reports, and application documentation.
• BEE Registration Assistance: Facilitates the preparation and submission of the BEE registration application.
• Test Report Validation: Helps in identifying errors and omissions in the test report prior to submission.
• Query Management: Assists in responding to BEE queries and clarifications.
• End-to-End Assistance: Facilitates the process starting from applicability assessment and testing to BEE registration and labelling requirements.
• Transparent Process: Facilitates registration through clear guidance and communication.